Asbestos which was discovered in the demolished A.S. Cooper?s building has now been removed, put in containers and taken to the Government quarry in Bailey?s Bay, the Island?s senior environmental health officer said yesterday.

The firm that dealt with the toxic material was BCM McAlpine.

?Asbestos in the ground floor and first floor was abated (removed),? Health Officer Roger Mello said.

In order to start demolition on the old A.S. Cooper?s building, a permit from the Health Department was needed. Mr. Mello said once this permit was issued the asbestos could be removed and demolition could begin.

A.S. Cooper?s chief executive officer Peter Cooper confirmed there was asbestos in the building but said it was all removed in containers before demolition work commenced.

?Everything was cleared through the Health Department,? Mr. Cooper said.